Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. CANADA VOWS NOT TO BE INTIMIDATED BY TERROR
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the Parliament Hill shooting was a terrorist act.
2. GLIMPSES OF NORTH KOREAN LIFE CAUGHT ON RARE TRIP
Two AP reporters embark on an unprecedented tour for 1,300 miles in the isolationist nation that’s one of the least-known inhabited places on the planet.
3. US TO TRACK EVERYONE COMING FROM EBOLA NATIONS
It’s the latest step by federal officials to keep the disease from spreading into the country.
4. MANY DOUBT HOSPITALS CAN HANDLE EBOLA PATIENTS
An AP-GfK poll shows most Americans have some confidence that the health care system can prevent the spread of the deadly disease–they just don’t think local facilities are prepared for new cases.
5. MAN CAUGHT AFTER JUMPING OVER WHITE HOUSE FENCE
The incident comes shortly after another fence jumper sprinted across the White House lawn, past armed uniformed agents and entered the mansion.
6. WHO’S FUNDING MANY STATE BALLOT INITIATIVES
Much of the ad money spent on election measures this season comes from corporations–although not in a direct way.
7. KENNY G’S SMOOTH TUNES CAUGHT IN HONG KONG CONFLICT
The jazz star had to distance himself from the democracy protests in the territory in order not to lose face with China, where he is very popular.
8. WHICH STATES ARE DENYING GAY UNIONS DESPITE COURT RULINGS
Kansas, Montana and South Carolina are refusing to allow same-sex marriage to go ahead without a specific court order directing them to do so.
9. WHAT’S BECOMING ROUTINE FOR RENTERS
Monthly surcharges for pets — anywhere from $10 to $50 — are quickly becoming the norm in apartments in the U.S.
10. CIGARETTE MAKER SNUFFING OUT SMOKING IN ITS WORKPLACES
The ban will take effect once Reynolds American builds indoor smoking areas for those still wanting to light up indoors, a spokesman says.
